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The High Court of Tanzania, operating through its Dodoma Registry, has formally dismissed a legal challenge brought by opposition party ACT-Wazalendo and its presidential nominee, Luhaga Mpina. The petition sought to reverse a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that had disqualified Mpina from contesting in the upcoming general elections across 29 constituencies.
Filed last month, the petition asked the court to annul INEC’s ruling and reinstate Mpina as ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential flagbearer. However, during preliminary proceedings, both the Attorney General and representatives from INEC raised objections, arguing that the High Court lacks the legal authority to overturn decisions made by the electoral commission.
In a decision delivered by a three-judge panel led by Justice Fredrick Manyanda, the court concurred with the objections, ruling that it does not have jurisdiction to interfere with INEC’s determinations. As a result, Mpina’s bid for the presidency has come to an end just two weeks before the national vote.
Reacting to the ruling, ACT-Wazalendo, through its chief legal counsel, expressed disappointment but reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles. “Our engagement in this legal process was driven by a desire to ensure fairness and transparency in the electoral process,” the party stated. They also announced plans to challenge the ruling through an appeal and to engage both domestic and international bodies in advocating for broader constitutional and electoral reforms.
The party called on its supporters to maintain peace and unity, emphasizing that the struggle for democracy and justice continues. “This setback does not mark the end of our mission. We encourage our members to stay resolute and focused on our collective goals,” the statement added.
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Despite lacking a presidential candidate, ACT-Wazalendo confirmed that it would continue participating in the general elections, focusing its efforts on securing parliamentary and local government positions. Meanwhile, the electoral race is currently dominated by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), whose presidential candidate, incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is widely anticipated to win by a large margin.
